Xitron Corp. Donates Workflow RIP System To Cal Poly Graphic Communication Department

Cal Poly graphic communication students will be able to train on the latest technology used in the printing industry thanks to a donation from Xitron Corp. of a Xenith Extreme Workflow Raster Image Processor (RIP) System.

The new RIP system uses portable document format (PDF) files, enabling students to transport electronic images to the printing press faster and at a higher quality. The PDF function saves information in smaller files without sacrificing the quality of the document.

"The Xenith system will be a tremendous asset in our prepress labs," said Penny Osmond, graphics communication professor. "We now have the ability to teach a complete workflow solution including full PDF capabilities to our students, keeping our students up to speed on the latest technology."

To print a brochure or newspaper, the RIP system translates the information from an electronic image into a series of Raster dots which is then burned onto a plate in the printing press. Xitron made the donation June 30, and by July 16, the new Xenith RIP system was helping print the Mustang Daily student newspaper.

"One of the things that impressed me about the Xenith system is it offered a one-stop solution," Osmond said. "Instead of having to learn and maintain multiple RIP systems, Xenith has the ability to drive many output devices."

The system allows Postscript 3 output to multiple programs. Graphic communication students will use the Xenith system to prepare and output files to Herkules Pro imagesetter, Creo Trendsetter, and other department machines. Xenith Extreme Workflow includes preflighting, proofing, in-RIP trapping, Post-RIP imposition and archiving.

Xitron's president, Jim Thrush states, "We are honored to have such a well respected educational institution such as the Cal Poly's Graphic Communication Department using Xitron's Xenith Extreme to aid in training the future leaders of the graphic arts industry. We are confident Xenith Extreme will prove to be an excellent tool to demonstrate a state-of-the-art, efficient and flexible solution for the automation of the prepress process."

Xitron, Inc., headquartered in Ann Arbor, Mich., has engineered technology tools for the publishing industry for 26 years. Xitron provides high-performance systems including RIPs, print servers, imagesetters, proofing and multiplexing products, as well as custom applications for the newspaper and commercial printing industries worldwide.

Cal Poly's Graphic Communication Department, founded in 1946, is one of the largest facilities of its kind in the nation. It serves all facets of the graphic arts industry, from printing and publishing to digital imaging. Presently, there are more than 2,500 Cal Poly Graphic Communication alumni employed in diverse positions in the graphic communication field. Many hold high-level positions such as plant managers and corporate executives for equipment and supply manufacturers. Approximately 300 students are enrolled in the graphic communication program. The department offers research opportunities, product evaluations, consulting, and seminars and workshops for the industry through the Graphic Communication Institute at Cal Poly.